Vehicle Inspection

Alaska
Other

2.1.1 – Why Inspect

Safety is the most important reason you inspect your vehicle, safety for yourself and for other road users.

A vehicle defect found during an inspection could save you problems later. You could have a breakdown on the road that will cost time and dollars, or even worse, a crash caused by the defect.

Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge the vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is fixed.

2.1.2 – Types of Vehicle Inspection

Pre-trip Inspection. A pre-trip inspection will help you find problems that could cause a crash or breakdown.

During a Trip. For safety you should:

Watch gauges for signs of trouble.

Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen, smell, feel).

Check critical items when you stop:

Tires, wheels and rims.

Brakes.

Lights and reflectors.

Brake and electrical connections to trailer.

Trailer coupling devices.

Cargo securement devices.

After-trip Inspection and Report. You should do an after-trip inspection at the end of the trip, day, or tour of duty on each vehicle you operated. It may include filling out a vehicle condition report listing any problems you find. The inspection report helps a motor carrier know when the vehicle needs repairs.

2.1.3 – What to Look For

Tire Problems

Too much or too little air pressure.

Bad wear. You need at least 4/32-inch tread depth in every major groove on front tires. You need 2/32 inch on other tires. No fabric should show through the tread or sidewall.

Cuts or other damage.

Tread separation.

Dual tires that come in contact with each other or parts of the vehicle.

Mismatched sizes.

Radial and bias-ply tires used together.

Cut or cracked valve stems.

Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on the front wheels of a bus. These are prohibited.

Wheel and Rim Problems

Damaged rims.

Rust around wheel nuts may mean the nuts are loose–check tightness. After a tire has been changed, stop a short while later and re-check tightness of nuts.

Cargo (Trucks). You must make sure the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured before each trip. If the cargo contains hazardous materials, you must inspect for proper papers and placarding.

2.1.4 – CDL Pre-trip Inspection Test

In order to obtain a CDL you will be required to pass a pre-trip inspection test. You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why. The following seven-step inspection method should be useful.

2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method

Method of Inspection. You should do a pre-trip inspection the same way each time so you will learn all the steps and be less likely to forget something.

Approaching the Vehicle. Notice general condition. Look for damage or vehicle leaning to one side. Look under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks. Check the area around the vehicle for hazards to vehicle movement (people, other vehicles, objects, low-hanging wires, limbs, etc.).

Vehicle Inspection Guide

Step 1: Vehicle Overview

Review Last Vehicle Inspection Report. Drivers may have to make a vehicle inspection report in writing each day. The motor carrier must repair any items in the report that affect safety and certify on the report that repairs were made or were unnecessary. You must sign the report only if defects were noted and certified to be repaired or not needed to be repaired.

Step 2: Check Engine Compartment

Check That the Parking Brakes Are On and the Wheels Chocked. You may have to raise the hood, tilt the cab (secure loose things so they don’t fall and break something), or open the engine compartment door. Check the following:

Engine oil level.

Coolant level in radiator; condition of hoses.

Power steering fluid level; hose condition (if so equipped).

Windshield washer fluid level.

Battery fluid level, connections, and tie downs (battery may be located elsewhere).

Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab

Get In and Start Engine

Make sure parking brake is on.

Put gearshift in neutral (or “park” if automatic).

Start engine; listen for unusual noises.

If equipped, check the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) indicator lights. Light on dash should come on and then turn off. If it stays on the ABS is not working properly. For trailers only, if the yellow light on the left rear of the trailer stays on, the ABS is not working properly.

Look at the Gauges

Oil pressure. Should come up to normal within seconds after engine is started. See Figure 2.5

Secure all loose articles in cab (they might interfere with operation of the controls or hit you in a crash).

Start the engine.

Step 7: Start the Engine and Check

Test for Hydraulic Leaks. If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or other problem. Get it fixed before driving. If the vehicle has air brakes, do the checks described in Sections 5 and 6 of this manual.

Brake System

Test Parking Brake(s)

Fasten safety belt

Set parking brake (power unit only).

Release trailer parking brake (if applicable).

Place vehicle into a low gear.

Gently pull forward against parking brake to make sure the parking brake holds.

Repeat the same steps for the trailer with trailer parking brake set and power unit parking brakes released (if applicable).

If you find anything unsafe during the pre-trip inspection, get it fixed. Federal and state laws forbid operating an unsafe vehicle.

2.1.6 – Inspection During a Trip

Check Vehicle Operation Regularly. You should check:

Instruments.

Air pressure gauge (if you have air brakes).

Temperature gauges.

Pressure gauges.

Ammeter/voltmeter.

Mirrors.

Tires.

Cargo, cargo covers.

Lights.

Etc.

If you see, hear, smell, or feel anything that might mean trouble, check it out.

Safety Inspection. Drivers of trucks and truck tractors when transporting cargo must inspect the securement of the cargo within the first 50 miles of a trip and every 150 miles or every three hours (whichever comes first) after.

2.1.7 – After-trip Inspection and Report

You may have to make a written report each day on the condition of the vehicle(s) you drove. Report anything affecting safety or possibly leading to mechanical breakdown.